Do you need a GP referral to see a specialist?

The short answer: to see a private specialist, usually not. To get your insurance or company benefits to pay, sometimes yes.

Seeing a private specialist

Most private specialist clinics in Singapore will see you without a referral letter. You can call and book directly.

Public hospitals are different. For subsidised specialist care you normally need a referral from a polyclinic or a GP.

Why a referral can still matter

Whether you need a referral for your cover depends on the rules of your plan:

• Company medical benefits often require a referral, sometimes from a GP on the company's panel, before they will pay for a specialist visit.
• Some Integrated Shield plans have conditions about how you reach a specialist, especially if you want certain benefits that come with using their panel.
• Some specialists may ask for a referral letter so they have your history.

Skipping the referral rarely stops you from being seen. It can, however, mean a claim is reduced or rejected afterwards.

What a good referral letter does

A useful referral explains your symptoms, how long you have had them, what has been tried, and any test results. It saves time at the specialist and helps your claim make sense to the insurer.

Already have a referral?

A referral usually names a specialty, and sometimes a particular doctor. You are generally free to choose a different specialist in the same field. Before you do, check how that choice fits with your policy.

Where we come in

We check whether your plan or company benefits need a referral, and what kind. Then we help you get to a suitable specialist without losing cover along the way.